Antifascist

Antifascist, or antifascism, refers to a political stance and a spectrum of collective actions aimed at opposing fascism and far-right ideologies. It describes individuals, organizations, and movements rather than a single unified group. Antifascists seek to counter what they perceive as threats to democracy, equality, and human rights, through a range of tactics including education, community organizing, nonviolent protest, and, in some cases, direct action.

The term gained prominence in the early 20th century, with the German Antifaschistische Aktion founded in 1932 by the Communist Party of Germany and other anti-fascist groups to oppose the rise of the Nazi movement. Similar networks formed in other countries during the 1930s, including anti-fascist resistance during the Spanish Civil War and in occupied Europe.

Since World War II, antifascism has persisted as a broad political current. In recent decades, the label “antifa” has been used by a loose assortment of groups and individuals, especially on the left, who advocate anti-racist, anti-authoritarian positions and oppose far-right ideology. There is no centralized leadership or uniform platform; groups range from nonviolent organizing and education to confrontational street actions in some contexts.

Controversy and legality vary by country. Some governments monitor or ban groups labeled as antifascist, while in others antifascist activity exists largely within the framework of lawful protest. Critics argue that some antifascist tactics can lead to violence or undermine civil liberties, while supporters emphasize self-defense and preventing far-right mobilization.

Antifascism is a broad and contested field of political action.